Event Recap: HMBANA International Congress

Wednesday, 4/25/2018

Human milk experts, researchers, and milk banking professionals around the globe work every day to better understand breastmilk and make it safely available for those who need it. When those minds come together, it is truly a special occasion. That’s what happened last week at the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA)’s 7th International Congress on Donor Human Milk Banking, held in Denver, Colorado.

Several staff from Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas joined their colleagues in the Centennial State for two days of networking and informative, thought-provoking presentations. Topics ranged from the composition of breastmilk, to the culture of breastfeeding, to milk bank operations and so much more. MMBNT Executive Director Amy Vickers had the honor of introducing Dr. Jean-Charles Picaud, President of the European Milk Bank Association, before his presentation: Effects of Pasteurization on Human Milk Quality.

Denver-area Mothers’ Milk Bank, a fellow HMBANA member, hosted conference attendees one night for a Milk Bank Mingle. Guests, including our MMBNT staff, enjoyed refreshments and toured the facility. It was interesting to see the unique features of one of our sister milk banks, as well as familiar equipment and details found in our own.

While the trip was brief, it was a great opportunity to learn more about the field and bring knowledge back to MMBNT. We’re already looking forward to the next gathering of this biennial event in 2020.